Aguttes, Arts Décoratifs du XXème, Lot 405 (estimate €1,500–2,000), Paris, 18 November 2011.
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Large rectangular plaque in glazed earthenware with polychrome decoration on a blue ground. Within a central oval cartouche are three cherubs accompanied by a dog, carrying arrows and a hunting horn, set within a wooded landscape. The cartouche is framed by scrolling foliage, among which two birds are perched.
This work brings together the principal stylistic characteristics of Auguste Jean: a highly harmonious composition, finely executed glazed decoration, a taste for detail, rich polychromy, his characteristic blue ground, and an iconography directly inspired by Italian maiolica.
The plaque's original intended purpose remains unknown. Signed “Jean AJ” at lower right, it bears on the reverse the mark of the Pichenot / J. Loebnitz firm, a manufacturer of earthenware from whom Auguste Jean obtained earthenware supports and objects that he subsequently embellished with painted enamel decoration, before establishing his own manufacturing workshop from 1863 onwards. This mark, also recorded on several other works signed by the artist, provides valuable evidence for dating and makes it possible to place this work around the 1860s.
Condition: Good condition
Signature: Signed on the front "Jean AJ" and on the back "Maison PICHENOT / J. LOEBNITZ / Successor / 7, rue des trois bornes / 4, rue Pierre Levée".
